WW Philly 08: DC's "Crisis Now!" Panel

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Notes and news from DC's Saturday meeting with fans.

By Dan Phillips

Saturday afternoon at Wizard World Philadelphia, Executive Editor Dan DiDio, Ian Sattler, a team of some of the company's hottest writers and artists and an army of DC faithful gathered in the Steve Gerber room at the Philadelphia Convention Center for a panel called "Crisis Now!" For one energetic hour, DiDio pumped up already excited fans about upcoming Crisis-related projects as well as a variety of other eagerly awaited series. And of course, DC's head honcho also fielded the audience's questions about any and everything DC-related.

To start things off, DiDio showed slides showcasing each one-shot and mini-series to sport the Final Crisis banner. First, there was Final Crisis: Rogues Revenge, which sees Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins return to Keystone City and the Scarlet Speedster's enemies to explore how the Flash's rogues react to Libra's attempt to once again unite the villains of the DCU. Second, DiDio revealed the full title for what was previously believed to be called simply Final Crisis: Requiem - - Final Crisis: Requiem for Martian Manhunter. The issue will focus on the reaction to the JLA mainstay's shocking death at the hands of Libra, and will see the creative team of Peter Tomasi and Doug Mahnke of Black Adam: The Dark Age reunite for an emotional one-shot.

DiDio then revealed to the crowd that Final Crisis: Superman Beyond! might just be the one thing that Grant Morrison is most excited about. The series, which sees a variety of Supermen from across the Multiverse team up for an epic quest, will be presented in 3D. DiDio also revealed that Superman himself will be experiencing things in 3D along with us readers, as one of his eyes is apparently changed to red and the other blue (DiDio didn't explain further).

After DiDio refreshed the audience on Geoff Johns and George Perez' Legion of Three Worlds miniseries, Sattler spoke more in depth about Final Crisis: Requiem. The miniseries is written by Greg Rucka and drawn by Phillip Tan, and it focuses on the Spectre's reaction to the recent Crisis. Sattler said the series deals with the idea of retribution, and happens to include a kick-ass fight between Batwoman and Killer Croc.

As for DC's other series, here's a quick summary of some of the interesting tidbits let loose by DiDio and company:

Reign in Hell – Series artist Tom Derenick explained that writer Keith Giffen has a very clear idea of how hell should look and operate in the DCU, and it's something like "H.R. Geiger on acid."

Batgirl – The upcoming miniseries from writer Adam Beechen and artist Jim Calafiore will address the drastic changes in the character seen after the One Year Later jump. It will also explore the character's tumultuous family history and introduce one of Cassandra's long lost siblings.

Green Lantern – Artist Ethan Van Sciver hinted that Atrocitus is "just the tip of the iceberg" as far as links between Hal's origin and The Blackest Night are concerned.

Action Comics – DiDio revealed that Superman will meet the real Brainiac for the first time ever, and we'll see the true nature of all the other Brainiacs he's encountered over the years.

Powergirl – Jimmy Palmiotti made a number of hilarious double entendres and dirty jokes about the series, including "everything about this book is big," and "there are two things you'll really enjoy about this book…."

Here's a recap of some interesting bits heard in the question and answer segment (some of these are old, but we all need a reminder now and then):

Do to an injury to Ian Churchill's drawing arm, Joe Benitez is the ongoing artist for Judd Winick's Titans series.

Contrary to rumors, Jim Shooter is on Legion of Superheroes for a year's worth of stories.

There's a whole lot more intrigue and depth to the Stephanie Brown/Spoiler return than we've seen so far.

Following Final Crisis, DC's heroes will react differently to evil's victory, and those reactions lead into and will be explored in James Robinson's Justice League series.

DiDio frankly admitted that in 2007, they weren't "clicking to the best of [their] abilities."

There are definitely plans for the new Dr. Fate – DiDio just thought it would be best to let the character sit for a little while following Steve Gerber's tragic passing.

Despite Ian Sattler's pleas to keep things close to the vest, DiDio slipped one fan a sly thumbs up after being asked if their were plans for the Kamandi and OMAC updates seen in Countdown.

Seven Soldiers of Victory characters in Final Crisis? Yes.

Is Martian Manhunter really dead? Yes.

Plans for more Suicide Squad? Nope.

Phantom Stranger? Yes.

How about those Suicide Squad showcase reprints? A tentative yes.

Is Barry Allen really back? Yes. (which was met with a roar of applause)

Will Barbara Gordon ever walk again? Never. (also met with applause)

Will Big Barda and Mister Miracle return in human form like the rest of the fallen New Gods? Soon.